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| Manchester United Predicted XI for the Leicester City game |
This will perhaps be one of the most important weekends of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s life. As the International Break comes to an end, Manchester United welcome Leicester City to Old Trafford, for their first home game in the month of September. The stakes are very high for the Norwegian; after winning just 1 of his first 4 games in the new season, it is safe to say Solskjaer will be desperate for a positive result, especially at home. However, the game will be far from easy.
Leicester City are unbeaten in the Premier League this season, winning 2 and drawing 2 of their first 4 games. Interestingly, they have won both of their last 2 games, against Sheffield United and Bournemouth. The Foxes are currently 3rd in the table, behind Liverpool and Manchester City, while United are 8th. However, that could all change at the end of the week.
A win would put United’s season back on track and would help ease the tensions that have engulfed the supporters. A draw or a loss could see the Red Devils slide further down the table and would pile even more pressure on Solskjaer.
The two clubs have met a total of 128 times in competitive games and the Red Devils have won 66 times, while there have also been 29 draws. In the Premier League, the two sides have met on 26 occasions; United have won 17 and lost just twice. Last season, United started their Premier League campaign at Old Trafford with a 2-1 win over Leicester City, a game which saw Luke Shaw score his first goal for the club. At the King Power Stadium, Marcus Rashford’s goal helped United come away with a narrow 1-0 victory.
Team News
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| Image Courtesy - Sky Sports |
During the International Break, Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were withdrawn from their respective national sides due to injury. Wan-Bissaka had earned his first senior call with the English side, but a recurring back problem meant that he had to return to Manchester and was not involved in either of the two England games. Paul Pogba was also not risked during the break and had returned to Carrington to be assessed by the club’s medical team. Lingard returned to the club due to illness. On the other hand, Diego Dalot is still recovering from a hip injury.
[Update] At the end of Solskjaer's press conference, it is clear that Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial will not feature against Leicester City, because both of them have not recovered from their injury. The Boss also said that Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Lingard could be available for selection, after both men are racing against time to be fit.
Predicted XI
Leicester City, despite the departure of Harry Maguire, could prove to be a tough nut to crack for Manchester United. Solskjaer will have to name his team accordingly and he could have all his first-team players available for selection. The Norwegian will surely opt for more steel in the middle and following the absence of Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial, could be tempted to make radical chages to the front 4. Nemanja Matic came off the bench in the Southampton game, but the Serbian could be a liability against Leicester’s press and speed.Predicted XI: David De Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Ashley Young; Fred, Scott McTominay, Juan Mata;Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Daniel James.
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| Predicted Manchester United First Eleven |
Players to Watch out For
Anthony Martial:
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| Image Courtesy - Premier League Official Website |
The Frenchman has looked sharp in the No. 9 role and Manchester United missed him dearly against Southampton. If Martial is fit enough to play, he can surely have a say in the outcome of the game. The Frenchman has already scored 2 goals from 3 games so far and his precision in front of goal could be crucial for the Red Devils. Martial’s presence in the box has also improved, and Solskjaer will be counting on his No. 9 to make a telling contribution in front of goal.
[Update - Solskjaer informed in his Press Conference that Martial will not be fit for Leicester City]
Daniel James
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| Image Courtesy - Metro |
The Welshman has been a fantastic addition to the United team. Daniel James has been sharp on the field and has mixed tenacious work ethics with stupendous finishing, etching his name into the United Folklore. He is already the darling of the Stretford End and is also Manchester United’s leading goalscorer this season. The Welshman has found the back of the net 3 times in four games so far and has shown tremendous composure in front of goal. However, James flourished on the left side against Southampton, which means Solskjaer will be contemplating playing him there permanently.
Paul Pogba
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| Image Courtesy - Sky Sports |
A lot has been said about the Frenchman over the summer, but Paul Pogba still is United’s most important player right now. Only Kevin De Bruyne has created more chances than the Frenchman in the Premier League so far this season, which shows how crucial Pogba is to this United team. Solskjaer has deployed the Frenchman in a deeper role so far, but might be tempted to shift him into the No. 10 role against Leicester City. Paul Pogba will be expected to feed the front trio of Martial, Rashford, and James, but if required, the Frenchman can be a goal threat too.
[Update - Solskjaer informed in his Press Conference that Pogba will not be available for the Leicester City game]
Predictions
This is a must-win game for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and he will be going for the kill at home. Leicester City’s style of play will suit United’s counter-attacking tactics, as the Red Devils could find plenty of space behind the Leicester midfield to exploit. The game is expected to be a cagey affair, but United should seal a hard-fought victory. Final Score: Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City.Join us at the end of this weekend's game for the indepth post match analysis of the game. Till then, stay Football Mad!
How did Solskjaer's boys fare in the Leicester City game? You can read about the player comments here.
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